Bella didn’t stop walking until she reached the edge of the courtyard. The moon was low, brushing the stone paths with a faint glow. She could still hear the pack murmuring behind her, whispers sliding like cold fingers along her spine, but she kept her head up. She wasn’t going to hide. Not anymore.

Alfred followed her out a moment later. His steps were slow, calmer than before, but she could still feel the tension radiating off him. He didn’t say anything at first. He just stood ...